Written by
What is Chelated Magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of processes in the body. It supports muscle function, heart health, nerve signaling, energy production, and more [1].
Because of its chemical structure, magnesium typically exists as a positively charged ion (Mg2+) and must bind to other compounds to remain stable. One of these forms is chelated magnesium.
Chelated magnesium is magnesium that has been bound to another molecule called a chelator. The chelator is often an organic compound such as an amino acid or organic acid. This type of bonding is called chelation.
Common examples used in supplements include:
Magnesium bisglycinate chelate
Magnesium creatine chelate
Chelated forms are designed to improve stability and absorption compared to some other magnesium forms.
How Chelated Magnesium Improves Absorption in the Body
Magnesium supplements generally come in two main forms: salts and chelates.
Magnesium salts are formed when magnesium binds to a negatively charged ion. These bonds are relatively weak and can break apart quickly in the digestive tract.
Chelated magnesium forms stronger, more stable bonds. This stability may help magnesium remain intact longer during digestion.
Some magnesium–amino acid chelates may be absorbed through dipeptide transport channels in the gut rather than standard mineral ion channels [2]. This alternative pathway may support bioavailability.*
Both salts and chelates can supply magnesium. However, chelated forms are often chosen for their stability and tolerability.
Benefits of Chelated Magnesium
Supports Magnesium Absorption and Bioavailability
Because chelated magnesium forms stronger bonds, it may be less likely to bind unwanted compounds in the digestive tract. This can help maintain availability for absorption.*
Magnesium–amino acid chelates may also remain in circulation longer, supporting cellular uptake.*
Support for Muscle Function
Magnesium plays a central role in muscle contraction and relaxation.
It acts as a cofactor for enzymes that produce ATP, the body’s primary energy molecule. ATP must bind with magnesium (Mg-ATP) to be biologically active [1,3,4].
Magnesium also helps regulate calcium activity in muscle cells. When magnesium levels are low, muscles may contract excessively, which can contribute to cramps or twitches.
Clinical studies show magnesium supports healthy muscle strength and performance in both younger and older adults [5,6].*
Support for Cardiovascular Health
The heart is a muscle that depends on a steady supply of ATP. Magnesium supports this energy production process.
It also helps regulate calcium inside cardiac muscle cells and supports healthy vascular tone. Magnesium contributes to antioxidant defenses and immune signaling in blood vessels, promoting healthy circulation and vasodilation [1,3].*
Together, these functions support cardiovascular performance and vascular health.*
Support for Relaxation and Sleep
Magnesium supports neurotransmitter production, neuronal signaling, and energy metabolism in the brain [7].
It plays a role in the synthesis of compounds involved in stress regulation and healthy sleep-wake cycles [8–10].
Magnesium also supports balanced GABA activity. GABA is the primary calming neurotransmitter in the brain and is essential for relaxation and sleep quality [11,12].
By supporting these systems, magnesium helps promote relaxation and healthy sleep physiology [13–18].*
Support of Bone Health
Approximately 50–60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in bone tissue.
Magnesium supports proper calcium balance and contributes to healthy hydroxyapatite crystal formation, which strengthens bone structure [1,19].
It also supports osteoblast activity (bone-building cells) and balanced bone remodeling, both of which are important for maintaining bone density over time.*
Chelated Magnesium Supplements
Chelated magnesium forms are commonly used in supplements to help maintain optimal magnesium levels.
Examples include:
Qualia Magnesium+ includes 10 forms of magnesium designed to support absorption and whole-body magnesium status.*
Chelated Magnesium FAQ
Common Questions and Answers about Chelated Magnesium
Which is better: magnesium chelate or glycinate?
Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium, i.e., it is an example of a magnesium chelate. It is also known as magnesium bisglycinate or magnesium bisglycinate chelate. There are other forms of chelated magnesium, including magnesium creatine chelate, for example.
Is chelated magnesium good for sleep?
Chelated magnesium can be used to support optimal magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium supports neurotransmitters and enzymes involved in the physiological processes of sleep. Through these and other actions, magnesium is able to support sleep physiology and optimal sleep quality.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
[1]J.H.F. de Baaij, J.G.J. Hoenderop, R.J.M. Bindels, Physiol. Rev. 95 (2015) 1–46.
[2]S.A. Schuette, B.A. Lashner, M. Janghorbani, JPEN J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr. 18 (1994) 430–435.
[3]W. Jahnen-Dechent, M. Ketteler, Clin. Kidney J. 5 (2012) i3–i14.
[4]J.D. Potter, S.P. Robertson, J.D. Johnson, Fed. Proc. 40 (1981) 2653–2656.
[5]L.R. Brilla, T.F. Haley, J. Am. Coll. Nutr. 11 (1992) 326–329.
[6]L.J. Dominguez, M. Barbagallo, F. Lauretani, S. Bandinelli, A. Bos, A.M. Corsi, E.M. Simonsick, L. Ferrucci, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 84 (2006) 419–426.
[7]J.A.M. Maier, L. Locatelli, G. Fedele, A. Cazzaniga, A. Mazur, Int. J. Mol. Sci. 24 (2022).
[8]M.D. Cuciureanu, R. Vink, in: R. Vink, M. Nechifor (Eds.), Magnesium in the Central Nervous System, University of Adelaide Press, Adelaide (AU), 2018.
[9]D.J. Morton, M.F. James, J. Pineal Res. 2 (1985) 387–391.
[10]A.J. Billyard, D.L. Eggett, K.B. Franz, Magnes. Res. 19 (2006) 157–161.
[11]C. Gottesmann, Neuroscience 111 (2002) 231–239.
[12]E. Poleszak, Pharmacol. Rep. 60 (2008) 483–489.
[13]G.A. Eby, K.L. Eby, Med. Hypotheses 67 (2006) 362–370.
[14]N.B. Boyle, C. Lawton, L. Dye, Nutrients 9 (2017) 429.
[15]M. Hornyak, U. Voderholzer, F. Hohagen, M. Berger, D. Riemann, Sleep 21 (1998) 501–505.
[16]B. Abbasi, M. Kimiagar, K. Sadeghniiat, M.M. Shirazi, M. Hedayati, B. Rashidkhani, J. Res. Med. Sci. 17 (2012) 1161–1169.
[17]K. Held, I.A. Antonijevic, H. Künzel, M. Uhr, T.C. Wetter, I.C. Golly, A. Steiger, H. Murck, Pharmacopsychiatry 35 (2002) 135–143.
[18]H. Murck, A. Steiger, Psychopharmacology 137 (1998) 247–252.
[19]S.-M. Glasdam, S. Glasdam, G.H. Peters, Adv. Clin. Chem. 73 (2016) 169–193.
